Doha, Qatar – As Qatar Foundation (QF) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the organization has launched “The QF Generation,” a comprehensive storytelling initiative showcasing the impact of its programs on individuals and communities. The project highlights 30 people whose lives have been fundamentally shaped by QF, emphasizing their contributions to fields ranging from medicine to engineering and beyond, and illustrating the lasting legacy of the foundation’s commitment to education and development. This initiative underscores QF’s role in fostering a new generation of leaders.
Established in 1995, QF has grown into a vast ecosystem dedicated to fostering human potential. The initiative was formally unveiled this month and provides a look back at three decades of growth, influence, and dedication to building a knowledge-based society in Qatar and internationally. The foundation’s educational, research, and community development efforts are now impacting lives across the globe.
The Impact of Qatar Foundation on a Generation
“The QF Generation” is presented through both a limited-edition coffee table book and an interactive digital platform, offering a multifaceted exploration of the foundation’s reach. The narratives span a wide spectrum of experiences, from foundational learning stages to groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial ventures. Each story reveals how QF’s unique environment – built on a strong sense of identity and global openness – nurtured individual growth and fostered a commitment to positive social change.
Pioneering Medical Advancements
Among the featured individuals is Dr. Aisha Yousuf, a trailblazer in the Qatari medical community. As one of the first 16 students at Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, Dr. Yousuf benefited from the early investment QF made in world-class medical education. She went on to become the first Qatari woman to perform robotic gynecological surgery at Sidra Medicine, a QF hospital. According to Dr. Yousuf, QF provided an environment where students were not only challenged academically, but also encouraged to pursue ambitious goals.
Dr. Yousuf’s journey exemplifies QF’s success in empowering Qatari nationals to excel in competitive fields. Her focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques aims to improve the quality of life for women, minimizing recovery times and optimizing outcomes. This also demonstrates a broader trend of technological innovation within Qatar’s healthcare system.
Empowering Educators and Communities
Ousman Camara’s story showcases QF’s commitment extends beyond the borders of Qatar. After benefiting from the Academic Bridge Program, Camara received a scholarship to Georgetown University in Qatar. Inspired by his experience, he founded Educate a Generation, a non-profit organization supporting education and mental health initiatives in West Africa, specifically aiding orphans impacted by the Ebola crisis in Sierra Leone.
Camara utilized the skills honed at QF—critical thinking, research, and communication—to establish a bridge program that prepared students for university. The program helped 15 out of 32 students secure full scholarships. This demonstrates how QF’s impact ripples outwards, as graduates return to their communities equipped to drive positive change.
Fostering Storytelling and Challenging Narratives
Filmmaker Shakeeb Asrar’s path illustrates how QF fosters a global perspective. While initially intending to transfer to Northwestern University’s main campus in the US, Asrar chose to remain at Northwestern Qatar in Education City, captivated by the diverse student body. He went on to create award-winning documentaries challenging Western-dominated narratives about the Global South.
Asrar’s work, including his role as an associate producer on a Paramount documentary, demonstrates QF’s success in cultivating a new generation of storytellers. He now gives back to the institution as an assistant professor, mentoring students and encouraging them to question biases in media.
Inclusion and Opportunity for All
The story of Youssif Heath highlights QF’s dedication to inclusion. Born prematurely with cerebral palsy and autism, Youssif’s family found crucial support at Sidra Medicine. Through the Ability Friendly Program, Youssif has thrived, becoming an avid swimmer and exploring his passion for technology. His success illustrates QF’s belief that every individual, regardless of ability, deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Sustainability and Innovation in Energy
Dr. Dhabia Al-Mohannadi’s research addresses critical sustainability issues. As the first Qatari woman to earn a PhD in chemical engineering, she is focused on decarbonizing gas, addressing the environmental impact of Qatar’s key industry. Her work has gained international recognition and is informing policy decisions related to energy transition and environmental protection. Al-Mohannadi’s journey is a testament to the power of education and research in tackling complex global challenges.
QF’s commitment to fostering innovation in sustainable development continues to be a central tenet of its mission. Initiatives like Dr. Al-Mohannadi’s research illustrate the importance of investing in local talent to address regionally and globally relevant concerns.
Looking ahead, the “QF Generation” initiative is expected to be expanded with additional stories and interactive content. The foundation will continue to assess the long-term impact of its programs and refine its strategies for supporting education, research and community development. The coming years will likely reveal increasing collaboration between QF and international partners, further solidifying its position as a global leader in higher education and innovation. Further data and analysis on the program’s long-term outcomes are anticipated as the foundation continues its 30th anniversary celebrations.
